Origin
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens is a species of small tree in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) native to tropical and southern Africa.
Common Names
Also known as the Buffalo Thorn, this plant goes by a variety of common names such as umPhafa, Mokgalo and Umtholozi.
Uses
The Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens tree has a range of uses, including medicinal, food, and cultural uses. Its fruits can be eaten either raw or cooked, and they are commonly used to make beverages and beer. The tree's bark is also used medicinally for various purposes such as treating body aches, stomach problems, and respiratory infections. Furthermore, the Buffalo Thorn is also an important tree in African Culture as it is believed to have spiritual and protective properties and is considered a symbol of life and fertility.
General Appearance
The Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens tree is small in size, usually growing up to 5 meters, it has a dense and spiny crown. The leaves are green and glossy, and the bark is grey and rough. The small white and yellow flowers bloom in summer, leading to clusters of small, round, yellow fruits that ripen in winter. The fruit has a sweet and sour taste and is packed with vitamin C.
Light Requirements
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens prefer to grow in areas that are bright, but not exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, semi-shade areas are most suitable for its growth. If grown in an area with too much sunlight, the plant becomes prone to leaf-scald and drying. In contrast, inadequate sunlight can lead to stunted growth and weak branches.
Temperature Requirements
The plant has a high tolerance to heat, drought, cold, and frost. Temperatures within the range of 20-30°C are ideal for its growth. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C. The plant is well adapted to a wide range of temperatures, and its growth is generally not affected by temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens can grow well in a variety of soils. It prefers well-drained soils with moderate to high fertility. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 6-8.5. The plant can tolerate mildly saline and alkaline soils but does not grow well in acidic soils.
Cultivation Methods
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens is a hardy plant that can tolerate various types of soil types. However, it prefers loamy and well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It is best to plant the sapling in the spring after the frost season is over. The planting hole should be as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. The sapling should be watered immediately after planting and regularly for the first month until its roots are established. The plant should be exposed to full sunlight.
Watering Needs
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens is drought-tolerant, but regular watering is necessary to ensure the plant's healthy growth and fruiting. The plant requires water once every 7-10 days during the growing season. In low rainfall areas, irrigation should be set up periodically. The soil should be checked before watering to avoid overwatering and waterlogged soil.
Fertilization
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens can grow well without fertilizers. However, for maximum yield, it is advisable to fertilize the plant. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can be applied to the soil. The fertilizer should be applied during the early spring season, before the plant starts actively growing. Fertilizers containing high levels of nitrogen should be avoided because they can promote vegetative growth instead of fruiting.
Pruning
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens requires minimal pruning. Pruning should be done during the dormancy period, before the sapling's spring growth starts. The plant should be pruned to create a central leader, which promotes the formation of side branches. The side branches should be pruned to remove diseased, damaged, or crossing branches. Fruit production is encouraged by moderate pruning, which increases the amount of sunlight in the plant's canopy.
Propagation of Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens are best sown in the early spring. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours to help with germination. The seeds should then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they start to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Propagation by cuttings
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens can also be propagated through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are best taken in the winter when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be taken from the previous year's growth, and they should be approximately 15-20 cm in length. Cuttings should be stuck in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. Rooting hormone can be used to help stimulate root growth. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Both seed propagation and cutting propagation can be successful for Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the desired outcome and available resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. subsp. pubescens, commonly known as the wild jujube, is a flowering plant native to Southern Africa. Like other plants, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to its growth and yield. Proper disease and pest management are crucial to ensure the health and vitality of the plant. This article discusses some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggests ways to manage them.
Diseases
Ziziphus pubescens is susceptible to several diseases that can cause damage to the plant's roots, stems, leaves, and fruits. Some of the common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on the leaves and fruits. In severe cases, it can cause defoliation and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, use copper-based fungicides, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and promote good air circulation and proper plant spacing.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth, wilting, and leaf yellowing. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It can affect the plant's growth and yield. To manage powdery mildew, use sulfur-based fungicides, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and improve air circulation.
Pests
Ziziphus pubescens is also susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant's growth and yield. Some of the common pests that affect the plant include:
- Fruit fly: This is a tiny insect that lays eggs on ripe fruits, causing them to rot. To manage fruit flies, use insecticides, cover the fruits with bags, and harvest them early.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects that suck the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap, prune and destroy infected plant parts, and promote natural predators.
- Scale insects: These are small, oval-shaped insects that attach to the leaves and stems and cause yellowing and wilting. To manage scale insects, use horticultural oils, prune and destroy infected plant parts, and promote natural predators.
It is important to note that prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, maintain a healthy growing environment, practice good hygiene, and monitor your plants regularly for any signs of diseases and pests. Early detection and prompt management can help prevent the spread of diseases and minimize damage to the plant.
